Q71. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?
- Reduced or zero tillage of the land e
- Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
- Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
The correct answer is 1 and 3.
- Methods for Minimizing Water Stress and Improving Water Resources:
- Using surface residue covers increases infiltration and reduces runoff.
- A residue cover absorbs most of the energy of raindrops that fall on it, and by the time this rainwater reaches the soil below, its ability to disintegrate soil aggregates and detach fine particles is greatly reduced. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- Using impermeable and permeable contour barriers at discrete intervals downslope in conjunction with reduced, preferably zero, tillage, as in conservation agriculture. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The incorporation of lime, either alone or in combination with gypsum, will reduce toxic concentrations of aluminium and/or manganese to non-toxic levels, allowing the crop to access more soil moisture, increase productivity, and aid in water conservation. However, according to the UPSC official answer key, 1 and 3 are correct. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
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